Ready for the ballroom? Paul Gascoigne is rumoured to be planning an appearance on Italy's version of Strictly Come Dancing

Troubled: Former Spurs and England player Gascoigne has been battling alcohol problems

Past and present: Gascoigne in his prime at Spurs, left, and how he appears today

Busting some moves: Gascoigne (right) uses his skills to get past a Cameroon player in the 1990 World Cup quarter-final

Gascoigne is reportedly hoping the hard work and physicality of the dancing regime will aid his continued battle to recover from alcoholism.

'He plans to take some time away from the UK to help his battle to stay sober after coming close to death recently,' a friend said.

Another friend added: 'Paul believes the show will give him a focus. He is determined to stay on the straight and narrow and to show off nifty footwork.'

On the ball: Gascoigne was excellent for England at the 1990 World Cup, left, and also played for Lazio

Moment of brilliance: Gascoigne scores England's second goal against Scotland in Euro 96

Gazza has struggled with alcohol problems for years and has made a number of rehab attempts. However, he was arrested following a drunken fracas in July this year and was fined £1000 after an assault in a train station in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

The former White Hart Lane legend has long been linked with appearing on reality TV series in recent years and snubbed the offer of a stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle.

Gazza spoke earlier this year about finally being ready for reality TV and the reported deal with the Italian Strictly Come Dancing would make him one of the best paid dancers on any version of the seroes.

He would not be the first famous footballer to appear on the show - Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona took to the dancefloor in 2005.